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Doctrine by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears

May 27th, 2010 1 comment

Driscoll, Mark and Gerry Breshears. Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010. 464 pp. $22.99. Purchase at Westminster for $16.32.

Audiobook

Narrated by Sean Runnette.  Escondido: christianaudio Hovel.  15 hours.  Download–$16.98, CD–$20.98.

Introduction

The guys at Re:Lit (Resurgence Literature) are lighting up the book stores with a ton of recently published materials. Doctrine is perhaps the creme de la creme of what they have published to date. As with many books being published today, this, too, was first a series of sermons. You can download and listen to those sermons here.

Summary

At 436 pages of actual reading material, Doctrine is not a picnic. Divided into thirteen chapters, Driscoll and Breshears look at thirteen distinct doctrines of the Christian faith that are “the big theological themes of Scripture.” They begin by looking at the Trinity and move from there to Revelation (Bible), Creation, Image, Fall, Covenant, Incarnation, Cross, Resurrection, Church, Worship, Stewardship, and Kingdom.

In essence they discuss why these thirteen doctrines are necessary elements of one’s faith as a Christian. Without these doctrines, the person professing to be a Christian is, in effect, denying specific presuppositions made by the Scriptures.

Included at the back of the book is a valuable section entitled “Small Group Resources.” This little section is meant to drive small groups into studying the nuts and bolts of the Christian faith. The questions are not too difficult nor are they too easy. They will cause you to think and, most importantly, to interact with what the Bible says about a particular doctrine in context.

Review

Unlike most systematic theology books (Doctrine is most certainly a systematic theology book), the authors chose to start with the Trinity. Most systematics begin with the Bible since all of the material must come from the Bible. Once the doctrine of the Bible has been established, then most authors move to God and break that section down into the many facets that define God including the doctrine of the Trinity.

Again, most systematic theologies take a logical, compartmental approach to laying out their discussion and teachings. Interestingly enough, Driscoll and Breshears have approached their systematic in a far more biblical manner. They begin with the Trinity because that is where the Bible begins. “In the beginning God” (Elohim which is a plural form of El) immediately introduces the reader of the Bible to a Triune God.

Next, the authors tackle the Bible as God’s revelation to man and then move on to the rest of their doctrines as they occur in the Bible. As you look at the list above once more, you will see how this order plays out in both the Bible and in Doctrine. This is to be commended and helps the reader to remain within the framework of the Bible itself as God’s plan of salvation plays out from Genesis to Revelation.

Another element found in Doctrine is one of an apologetic nature. This perspective allows Driscoll and Breshears to argue for or against commonly held misconceptions of these essential doctrines. Unfortunately, the authors become tepid on some issues. For example, they walk a very fine line when it comes to the doctrine of Creation. They do not take a stand but only state that it is acceptable to believe one of a few different understandings. What you believe and understand about Genesis 1 and 2 will greatly determine your understanding of the rest of the Scriptures.

In most other instances, they offer reasons as to why believing certain heretical understandings of these doctrines is wrong and a denial of Christ. In many cases, they do come down and state that one must believe in _____________ if they are to be a Christian.

Audio book review

The audio book was nice. It was read at a pace that was both fast enough to keep your interest and slow enough to allow you to think about what was being said. There were a few sections where the cut/paste on the digital recording fell short of christianaudio’s usual superb standards.

What I most liked about the audiobook is that you can actually listen to a systematic theology and enjoy doing so! The audiobook is ideal for that Christian who is busy with work or raising children and does not have the time to read a book about Christian doctrines. For those seeking a deeper understanding of theology, Doctrine has quickly become one of the best places to begin insofar as audiobooks are concerned.

Recommendation

With the publishing of Doctrine by Mark Driscoll has suddenly made systematic theology both acceptable and cool. That excites me. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to begin to plumb the depths of God and what He has revealed to us through His word, the Bible. The additional audiobook makes this a double feature worth owning.

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In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham with Dean Merril

May 13th, 2010 No comments

Book info: Burnham, Gracia and Dean Merrill.  In the Presence of My Enemies.  Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2009.  384 pp.  $13.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $10.07 or less.

Audiobook info: Narrated by Pam Ward.  Esconido: christianaudio, 2010.  11 hours.  Download mp3 for $14.98 or less, CD for $26.98 from christianaudio.

Introduction and Summary

Gracia Burnham has a foundation dedicated to ministering to Muslims (their captors), missionary aviation, the persecuted church, and tribal missions.  That foundation is named the Martin and Gracia Burnham Foundation.

This video featuring Gracia Burnham is a fitting summary.  It is more than  nine minutes in length, but is well worth your time to watch:

Audio Book Review

The audio book was narrated by Pam Ward.  She did a fine job of telling the story with emotion.  It seemed to me; however, that Pam offered too much emotion.  She seemed really “sharp” during a few exchanges between Gracia and her captors.  Everything I have seen with Gracia talking gives me a different perspective of her personality. Gracia seems much more humble than how Pam portrayed her in voice.

Nonetheless, listening to Pam’s take on the emotional setting throughout the book definitely left you feeling intense and angry when you should have been feeling intense anger!  Having never read the book (and not being a Christian during the first half of this ordeal), I was not too familiar with the story.  Pam did an excellent job articulating the words and bringing them to life in my mind.

There is one part of Gracia’s testimony that does not sit well with me. It is when she is explaining why God would allow something like her captivity happen. In a nutshell, her answer is that sometimes God is at an impasse because of man’s free will. I cannot agree with this for that would bring into question God’s ultimate sovereignty.

Recommendation

If you are like me and have never read the book, do yourself a favor and go get it!  The faith of the Burnham’s will be a blessing to your soul.  If you are not much of  a reader, then by all means, download this book or purchase the CD’s.  Give it a good listen to and know that in so doing you will be changed for the better.

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The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

April 22nd, 2010 1 comment

Ten Boom, Corrie.  The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom.  Bantam Books, 1984.  242 pp.  $7.99.  Purchase the book at Westminster Books

audiobook

Narrated by Bernadette Dunne. Esconido: christianaudio Hovel, 2007. 9.5 hours. Purchase the audio CD for $24.98 or mp3 download for $14.98 from christianaudio.

Introduction

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, then you have heard the name Corrie Ten Boom.  She is one of those women who stand head and shoulders above many of the saints for what she did.  Many know that she had something to do with Jews during World War II.  Still, as I quickly discovered, there is much people do not know or are mistaken in the details about Corrie Ten Boom.   Unfortunately, time has a way of blurring the lines between fact and folklore.

Summary

The book begins with the 100th anniversary of the family clock and watch shop and then moves back in time to when Corrie was first born and quickly offers a brief biography of her life.  During this time, we learn of the Ten Boom’s faith in Jesus Christ and how that drives everything they do.

Fast forward to World War II and we find an almost 50 year old Corrie Ten Boom working on watches and enjoying life.  As Germany invades and ultimately occupies Holland, we discover that their faith in Christ as savior and Lord of all regardless of race or gender drives them to aid the Jews being persecuted.

It is quite amazing to note that the Ten Boom family practically fell into their smuggling operations.  It is also interesting to note that they disagreed on how to handle certain ethical issues such as lying to the police (some members would and some would not) based upon their faith.

It is about a year before what would be the end of the war when the Ten Boom family is betrayed and sent off to prison and concentration camps.  It is here that we really see what a life of faith and obedience to God.  In the end, Corrie survives the camp and sets out to assist those who were impacted by the tragedy that was World War II.

Review

As I said above, it was very interesting to hear how each person handled particular ethical dilemmas.  One sister would not lie for anything which wound up costing some perhaps there lives.  Corrie, on the other hand, found that she could easily lie when it came to taking care of those God had entrusted to her.

I had never read this book before listening to the audio so I had no real idea as to what I was going to discover with each passing minute.  As I listened to Bernadette Dunne read the story of Corrie Ten Boom, I felt as though I was sitting in a living room talking with my aging grandmother about what God had accomplished in her life.  Bernadette read this story with the emotion of a woman who had lived this life.  You could feel the pain in her voice when she realized who had betrayed them.  You could hear the dejection when she was challenged by God’s grace and her selfishness.

Recommendation

If you have never read The Hiding Place, then you have missed out on one of Christendom’s greatest little treasures.  If you have not read it, then I would highly recommend you get the audio and listen to it.  You cannot listen (or, I assume, read) to this book without it changing you.  Over and over again, I was convicted by my own weaknesses when compared to the strength and faith of Corrie Ten Boom.  If you listen to this book and are not changed, then you need to make sure that you are a true, regenerate child of God.

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A Praying Life by Paul Miller

April 15th, 2010 No comments

Miller, Paul. A Praying Life. Narrated by Arthur Morey. Esconido: christianaudio Hovel, 2009. 9 hours. Download for $16.98, CD for $26.98.

Introduction

I have already reviewed A Praying Life here. This particular review is going to look at the audio book produced by christianaudio.

Obviously, the content does not change at all. Arthur Morey does a wonderful job of narrating the book. He speaks very evenly and very well paced. I had no problems keeping up with his speech. I did struggle at times with how he seemed to deadpan certain sections.

For example, I could “hear” Paul Miller chuckling at certain points when discussing his autistic daughter. Arthur, however, seemed to make it a point to remain “even” in his reading of the text. Fortunately the content is enough to keep the listener’s attention even if the style of reading was somewhat distracting at times.

Recommendation

Given the critique of Arthur Morey’s reading of this particular book, one look at what books he has read for christianaudio will tell you that he probably understands practical Christian living. If you do not have time to read a book on praying, I do highly recommend purchasing a CD or download at christianaudio for your drive time.

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Humility by C.J. Mahaney

April 1st, 2010 3 comments

Mahaney, C.J. Humility: True Greatness. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2005. 176 pp. $12.99. Purchase at Westminster for $9.22.

Audiobook

Narrated by Sean Runnette. Escondido: christianaudio Hovel.  4 hrs.  Download for $9.98, CD for $15.98.

Introduction

C.J. Mahaney leads Sovereign Grace Ministries–a church planting and sustaining mission.  He served for twenty-seven years as pastor of Covenant Life Church where Joshua Harris now serves as pastor.  (I think being bald is a pre-requisite to serve as senior pastor there!)

Summary

Divided into three parts, Mahaney packs much into such a small book.  In part one, he takes a look at both sides of the issue–humility and pride.  The second part offers an exhortation to look at the One who defines humility and gave us the greatest example of humility.  It is by the standard of Jesus Christ that we can know what true humility looks like.

In true C.J. Mahaney form, the third part offers much in the way of how to live a life of humility; in other words, the application of the exhortation.  Mahaney looks at how you should begin each day, how you should end each day and everything else in between (as well as when you are sleeping). He concludes the book with a list of suggestions on how to weaken the pride in your life and cultivate humility.  One example he does offer is to play golf!

Review (Content & Audio)

The content is dead on.  Humility is written with some strong exhortations mixed with very practical applications.  Granted, we are not all going to play golf, but what Mahaney is saying is that there are many everyday ways in which you can cultivate humility in your life without becoming a monk and secluding yourself from the rest of the world.

The audiobook was very well done as well.  This was the first time I had listened to Sean Runnette read a book from christianaudio.  He read with feeling and emotion.  It was as though he was being deeply impacted by what he was reading and wanted to relay that on to those who would be listening later.  His pace of reading and voice were both steady and strong.  The audiobook was a joy to listen to.

Recommendation

Humility is a topic that is extremely tough to write about without coming off as arrogant.  C.J. Mahaney succeeded in doing just that.  He writes with a genuine humility that is seen or heard whenever he steps into a pulpit to preach.  He comes across as one acutely aware of his sin and God’s grace which is needed today more than ever.

I would recommend to every pastor or leader in the local church that they read and discuss this book with others.  I would also recommend that any Christian read this book.  Perhaps a youth group study would be advisable on the contents of Humility.

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The Word of Promise NT –NKJV Dramatized Audio Bible

February 19th, 2010 No comments

The Word of Promise–NKJV New Testament audio Bible (unabridged).  Thomas Nelson, 2007.  $49.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $19.50 or less!

Introduction

This is just the New Testament.  If you would like to see a review of the entire audio Bible, please go here.

While the Holy Bible needs no introduction, perhaps it would do well to explain this project in a bit more detail.

The cast of this particular audio Bible is breathtaking.  From Jim Caviezel as Jesus to Marissa Tomei as Mary Magdalene, they leave no character untouched.  Even Hank Hanegraaff makes an appearance as an angel in the book of Revelation.  The man who plays Matthew, John Heard, actually reads the gospel of Matthew.  The thematic music helps with the flow of the reading as well as the dramatization of it all.  The entire cast, both Old and New Testament, consists of over 600 people!  You can check out a highlighted list of cast members here.  You can access the website for more details here.

Critical Review

Ok, I am not going to review the Bible.  What I am going to do is offer a review of the audio as well as the cast of characters and such.

Cast

Obviously, the cast is star-studded.  Some of the actors make sense.  For example, Jim Caviezel playing Jesus makes a lot of sense with his role as Christ in The Passion of the Christ.  Hank Hanegraaff makes sense as an angel with the success of his apocalyptic series co-authored with Sigmund Brouwer.  The interplay of the various voices helps children to know that “real people” were in the Bible.  It also helps the Bible to “come alive” as it were to hear all of the different voices–it is very easy to get in a rut when reading the Bible.  This dramatized version does not allow for that to happen.

What I struggle to completely accept is Luke Perry as Judas and Stephen and John Schneider as James.  Whenever I hear them speaking, I hear Dillon of Beverly Hills 90210 and Bo Duke of the Dukes of Hazzard (I grew up with the Dukes, could’ve care less about 90210).  It is somewhat distracting to have visuals of the General Lee or bar room brawls when you are being exhorted to “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20-21). Or to think of Dillon and all of his escapades in Beverly Hills when you are listening to Stephen cry out to God to forgive those who are stoning him in Acts 7.

Audio

The original music is second to none insofar as dramatized Bibles are concerned.  Sometimes the background music takes away from the content of the story.  In the case of The Word of Promise, the background music greatly enhances the story telling.

Another quality of the audio found in The Word of Promise are the sound effects.  For example, when John the Baptist’s head is cut off in Matthew 14:10, you actually hear the sword being unsheathed, sliced through the air, down onto the chopping block and then moments later a thud.  It is quite graphic and that is a good thing.  You also can hear the people walking or the oars slapping the water as Christ and His disciples row out to sea.

Misc.

Perhaps the only other negative, in my estimation, is the break between chapters of the Bible.  It is not noticeable when the chapters in Scripture actually break along story lines, but when the chapter comes in the middle of a thought or story, it is quite annoying.  Regardless, that is easily overcome and dealt with given the quality of the production.

Recommendation

While there are some noted negatives, The Word of Promise is, without a doubt, one of the best audio Bibles I have come across.  I was blown away by the quality of the production.  I have used Max McLean for years, but my children have not found him as interesting as I have.

When playing Matthew for the kids on a drive, I found that my boys (5, 3, and 2) were enraptured by the audio.  The next day, my oldest drew the three crosses on Calvary with an earthquake (using arrows at the bottom of the picture) and storm clouds and lightening at the top because of the dramatization of the audio.  Too be honest, I didn’t even think he was listening at that point because it had already been 90 minutes or so of listening to the Bible.

I highly recommend The Word of Promise for anyone wanting to listen to an audio Bible.  You can listen to Darth Vadar read the Bible or you can listen to an entire cast of characters “live” the Bible.  The Word of Promise also makes for an excellent family worship resource as your children will undoubtedly want to listen to more!  Amazon has some seriously awesome deals on The Word of Promise from just the New Testament to the entire Holy Bible.

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A Sweet & Bitter Providence by John Piper

February 12th, 2010 No comments

Piper, John.  A Sweet & Bitter Providence:  Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  160 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $11.69.

Audiobook

Narrated by Grover Gardner.  Escondido: christianaudio Hovel.  3.8 hours.  Download–$9.98, CD–$15.98

Introduction

Seriously, John Piper needs no introduction, but perhaps the book of Ruth does. Situated right after the book of Judges and just before the establishment of the monarchy, we read of a widow and her widowed daughter-in-law. Ruth is certainly a love story through and through, but many wonder how it speaks to us today. John Piper has offered his faithful exegesis and application of the book of Ruth in his latest book, A Sweet & Bitter Providence.

Summary

A short book, this one is divided into four chapters. The first chapter discusses God’s providence in allowing life to happen to Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah. Chapter two looks at how God guided and directed the paths of Ruth and Naomi to the city of a kinsmen redeemer. And not just any kinsmen redeemer, but one who would be able to provide for Ruth.

The third chapter describes strategic righteousness. Strategic righteousness is not a man or woman manipulating life’s events so that all works out for his or her good. Rather, strategic righteousness is rooted in the hope that God is going to work all things for one’s good. Chapter four concludes with the Christ-exalting application that Piper is known for (and I praise God for that!). Here, Piper shows how we, as the redeemed of Christ, are to make Him renowned in the world just as Ruth did with Boaz.

Audio/Content Review

Grover Gardner, a common voice heard on christianaudio, reads this book extraordinarily well. I have listened to a couple of the books he has read and have found him to sometimes be out of place. I cannot figure out why exactly–other than I “hear” John Piper or Donald S. Whitney whenever I read one of their books–but his voice just does not seem quite right.

That is not to say that he does not do a good job. On the contrary, he does a wonderful job. This is probably why when you check out the list of books he has read for christianaudio, you find authors like J.I. Packer, John Piper, Donald S. Whitney, Eugene Peterson, etc. In the case of A Sweet & Bitter Providence, I could hear John Piper teaching even though it was Grover Gardner reading–if that makes any sense at all.

The content of the book is right on–especially in today’s pluralistic society. Piper takes us straight to the throne room of God to see that sex is indeed a beautiful and glorious gift. We see that while many frown on inter-racial relationships, God, in His providence, ordained it such that Christ would descend from such a relationship.

Recommendation

A Sweet & Bitter Providence offers a glorious look “behind the scenes” as it were of what God was doing in the life of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. There is much to be gleaned from this short book of the Bible. We are indebted to John Piper for offering his thoughts on this book and even more so the application of this book for our lives today.

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Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

February 8th, 2010 1 comment

DeYoung, Kevin. Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009. 128 pp. $10.99. Purchase the book at Westminster for $7.69.

Audiobook

Narrated by Adam Verner. Escondido: christianaudio Hovel. 3 hours. Download–$9.98, CD–$15.98.

Introduction

A search on Amazon for books on God’s Will returns over 231,000 results.  Everyone wants to know what God’s will is for their life.  Not everyone wants to actually do God’s will for their lives.  Kevin DeYoung challenges many preconceived notions in his book Just Do Something.

Summary

In an extremely short book, Kevin DeYoung begins by smashing what many use as a crutch–trying to discern the will of God.  He states at the end of chapter one that our seeking the will of God has enabled us to postpone growing up.  He likens our seeking the will of God as asking the great Magic 8-Ball whether or not we should eat at McDonald’s or Arby’s.

There is a better way.  DeYoung explains what that is and what it looks like in the Christian’s life.  Basically, the title of the books says it all…Just do something!  Though some might think that just doing something is aimless, we are presented with the tools (think prayer and Scripture reading) to discern God’s will in your life.  It is at this point that you are able to know that you are walking in the will of God.

Audio/Content Review

Adam Verner does not read this book in a dry, formal manner.  He reads more as though he is your pastor and you are discussing the matter of seeking God’s will for your life at your local coffee shop.  I appreciated his voice inflection as well as his tempo in reading.

The content of the book was dead on.  Kevin DeYoung nails it as far as the paralysis of analysis that grips many young Christians today.  We have made an idol out of seeking God’s will and Kevin attempts to rectify this in 128 short pages.  His use of Scripture helps to elucidate his solution to the problem which in the end is a biblical solution.

Recommendation

Just Do Something is a book that needs to be read by every Christian, young and old.  The book can be read in one sitting if you have the time (say 2 1/2 hours).  It makes for an excellent study for youth groups and adult bible study groups.  Kevin DeYoung offers many morsels to chew on when it comes to discerning God’s will for one’s life.  Having the book to read is great–you will mark it up with your fountain pen.  Having the book to listen to was even more of a bonus–I felt as though I was in the middle of a conversation.  Adam Verner really makes listening to the book an enjoyable experience.

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Classics of the Christian Faith Narrated by Max McLean

November 13th, 2009 No comments

Purchase at christianaudio.comIntroduction

Max McLean is President of Fellowship for the Performing Arts, narrator for the Listener’s Bible audio line, and speaker on the daily radio program Listen to the Bible which airs on over 670 radio affiliates worldwide.  You can instantly download the mp3 audio from christianaudio for $47.98 (The Pilgrim’s Progress can be downloaded separately) or you can purchase the edition which includes The Pilgrim’s Progress at Westminster Books for $44.99. The particular Classics of the Christian Faith I reviewed did not include John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Review

Max McLean has become the voice of the Bible with his Listener’s Bible in various translations. Now, he has narrated some of the most beloved sermons, speeches, and writings ever uttered in the history of Christianity. Included in the Classics of the Christian Faith set is George Whitefield’s The Method of Grace, Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Here I Stand the speech given by Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, and The Conversion of St. Augustine as told by Augustine himself in his biography, The Confessions of St. Augustine.

Purchase at Westminster BooksMcLean’s rendition of both Luther and Augustine’s was excellent in their own right.  The additional contextual information provided by Max at the beginning of both narrations helped immensely in understanding the context of what was taking place. The narration of Edwards and Whitefield’s, however, deserves much attention.

George Whitefield was known for his ability to command an audience whenever he spoke.  He was arguably the greatest orator of his time.  Max McLean played that to the hilt as only Max can do.  The dramatic pauses and variation of speech tempo was very much appreciated.  His voice would raise to a crescendo and then fall to a whisper at just the right moment.  I was listening to this sermon while driving my car and, on a couple occasions, wanted to pull over and repent of sins as though it were the first time I had ever heard the gospel preached.  This sermon alone is worth the price of the set.  It makes an excellent resource to share with an unbeliever willing to listen.

After listening to his version of Whitefield, I thought I would have to take him to task for being too dramatic when reading Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.  I was wrong.  You see, Jonathan Edwards was known for being more mundane and monotone in his sermons.  It is a known fact that he mostly read from a manuscript with little emotion (compared to George Whitefield anyway).

McLean reads Edwards with the gravity that was surely felt on that fateful day in Enfield, Connecticut July 8, 1741.  I found myself personally cringing and tensing up at the thought of what it would be like to fall into God’s hands as an unrepentant sinner.  The “forward” by R.C. Sproul was very helpful in shedding light on some mischaracterizations of Jonathan Edwards and in particular this sermon.  As it was with the Whitefield narration, this particular sermon is also worth the price of the set.  For a limited time, you can download Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God narrated by Max McLean for free from his website!  I have no idea when this offer will end so act fast!

The different reading styles were very much appreciated and noticeable from over sermon to another.  I highly recommend picking up the Classics of the Christian Faith today.

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Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton

October 16th, 2009 2 comments

Download at christianaudio.comChesterton, G.K.  OrthodoxyPurchase the book at Westminster for $8.36Ignatius Press, originally published in 1909.  168 pp.  $11.95.  Purchase the book at Westminster for $8.36.

Audiobook

Chesterton, G.K. narrated by Simon Vance.  Esconido: christianaudio Classics,  2006.  6 1/2 hours.  Download – $14.98, MP3 CD – $19.98, CD – $24.98.

Book Review

This was my first introduction to G.K. Chesterton other than through many quotes and allusions to his writings I have come across in many different areas of reading and learning. He writes this book almost as an autobiography where he details how he went from a state of unbelief to complete faith and trust in the one true God and His son Jesus Christ. I was very intrigued by his overt philosophical approach to destroying non-belief in the first four chapters. His talk of Elfland and the thinking maniac kept me very much wondering where this was going (and I knew the whole time!).

The final five chapters set up the Christian faith as the only set of beliefs that does not fail the test of real life. He spends much time discussing the paradoxes of the Christian faith and how they alone make sense of the world around us. His ability to reach into our minds with the nonsensical fantasy illustrations reminded me of C.S. Lewis. Even though he writes from a Roman Catholic background, there is much about Chesterton that Protestant Christians can and should admire.

Audio Review

christianaudio does a wonderful job of choosing the right narrator for a book. In this case, Simon Vance seemingly takes on the persona of G.K. Chesterton. His British accent makes you feel as though you are in a lecture hall listening to Chesterton present his apologetic for the Christian faith. He reads at a conversational level which works best with this particular book because Chesterton wrote it as a conversation piece.

Recommendation

I would recommend picking up the book before listening to the audio if this will be your introduction to G.K. Chesterton. His language is quirky given that he is from early 20th century London. If you own the book and have read it, then the audio will be a welcomed edition to your library as there is much to digest from the pen of G.K. Chesterton.

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